Angling notes: Vintners throw another fine party on the crests and shores of Lough Mask

‘This competition continues to go from strength to strength and has become so popular we now have a waiting list,” declared Dan Dennehy at the 12th annual Vintners’ Federation of Ireland Fly Fishing Championships on Lough Mask. “It all started when fishing with a fellow publican in 2001,” he said. “We agreed to set up a vintners’ competition with one stipulation: it must be held midweek. Twelve years later we still hold the event on a Tuesday and Wednesday.”

I had received great reports about the sheer enjoyment of the competition and felt privileged when invited by Tom “Swanky” Sweeney to take part this year. “Entry is by invite only,” Swanky smiled.

In keeping with tradition, the hub of everything associated with the two-day spectacle centred around the award-winning Tí Bhúrca Bar and Restaurant nestled between Loughs Mask and Corrib in the gaeltacht village of An Fhaírche (Clonbur), Co Galway.

The lounge area is adorned with huge fish caught from both lakes over the years, including the largest trout caught in Ireland in 118 years. This ferox trout fell to Ceri Jones from Wales last year while fishing on Corrib and weighed 10.8kg (23lb 12oz).

All the anglers gathered for breakfast on the first morning and to meet boating partners for the two days. The “double” check-in was speedily coupled with a goody bag courtesy of Folláin Teo, Cúil Aodha, Maghcromtha, Co Chorcaí.

The old adage that “honesty is the best policy” certainly applied as anglers set out from different vantage points around the lake at 11am, fished until 6pm and reported back to Burke’s with their catch. “It works a treat every time,” one angler said.

My boating partner was Mike Coyne from Letterfrack, a fine angler who knows every nook and cranny of the lake. We headed out from Rosshill Bay towards the Carrigeen Islands, on past the Shintillas to Devenish. For the morning session I boated 12 fish (all undersize). Mike had one counter on an International Dabbler.

For our second day we followed the same pattern. “I know there’s big ones here; goodness knows I’ve caught a ‘ball’ of decent fish here,” he said. Plenty more small fish for me (even two on the one cast); Mike had a further two counters.

Back at Burke’s and, with the final weigh-in complete, it soon emerged that Mallow angler Billy Kavanagh was the clear winner with eight fish (four each day) for 4.645kg (10lb 4oz). “We fished the Tourmakeady shore both days. I got my fish on a Green Peters and a Dabbler Muddler,” he said.

No stranger to the international scene, Billy has represented Ireland with Tafi on four occasions, most recently in New Zealand in 2008. “I would like to thank my boatman Joe Butler for his selection of the best productive water,” Billy added.

Prior to the presentation of prizes, a collection for the three local clubs who helped in supporting the competition brought in more than €200 for each of the Ballinrobe and District, Tourmakeady and Kilbride clubs.

The prize-giving table was a sight to behold, with more than 60 quality, angling-related prizes, almost one for every angler who caught a fish. “Unbelievable – it must take a year’s hard work to assemble,” was one overheard comment .

Gerry Rafter, VFI President (Ireland), who travelled specially from Dublin for the occasion, acknowledged the large turnout of anglers in making the event one of the largest in the country and looked forward to returning again next year.

Following a splendid dinner, we settled down for a pint and a sing-along session hosted by Cyril Boggins and Jackie Coyne.

My thanks to the wonderful friendship shown by the Burke family and their splendid accommodation.
burkes-clonbur.com

Teenagers show initiative
Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) summer fishing courses enjoyed a great year, with 121 youngsters from Jobstown Action for Youth in Tallaght; Dublin 15 Youth Services; Mulhuddart Youth Project; Whitechurch Youth Fishing Club and Dóchas Family Care Centre, Clondalkin.

The teenagers (aged 12-16) were taught casting, presenting bait, health and safety techniques and catch-and-release practices. Fishing was good, with a variety of different species caught, including pollack and flounder.

Among the highlights were two Irish specimens: a rudd/roach hybrid of 0.9kg (1lb 16oz) caught on Lough Ramor, and a brown trout of 5.4kg (11lb 14oz) for Eric Cahill.

angling@irishtimes.com